- governess
- gov|ern|ess [ `gʌvərnəs ] noun counta woman whose job was to take care of and teach her employer's children in their home, especially in the past
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.
governess
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Governess — Gov ern*ess, n. [Cf. OF. governeresse. See {Governor}.] A female governor; a woman invested with authority to control and direct; especially, one intrusted with the care and instruction of children, usually in their homes. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
governess — mid 15c., female ruler, shortening of governouresse a woman who rules (late 14c.), from O.Fr. governeresse female ruler or administrator (see GOVERNOR (Cf. governor) + ESS (Cf. ess)); in the sense of a female teacher in a private home it is… … Etymology dictionary
governess — ► NOUN ▪ a woman employed to teach children in a private household. DERIVATIVES governessy adjective … English terms dictionary
governess — [guv′ər nis] n. a woman employed in a private home to train and teach a child or children … English World dictionary
Governess — A governess is a female employee of a family who teaches children within their home. In contrast to a nanny (formerly called a nurse) or a babysitter, she concentrates on teaching children, not their physical needs. Her charges are of school age … Wikipedia
governess — n. a governess for, to (she served as a governess to three small children) * * * [ gʌvənɪs] to (she served as a governess to three small children) a governess for … Combinatory dictionary
governess — UK [ˈɡʌvə(r)nəs] / US [ˈɡʌvərnəs] noun [countable] Word forms governess : singular governess plural governesses a woman whose job was to look after and teach her employer s children in their home, especially in the past … English dictionary
governess — [[t]gʌ̱və(r)nes[/t]] governesses N COUNT A governess is a woman who is employed by a family to live with them and educate their children … English dictionary
governess cart — noun or governess car : a light two wheeled cart entered from the rear with body partly or wholly of wickerwork and with a seat for two persons along each side called also tub cart * * * governess car or governess cart noun (historical) A light… … Useful english dictionary
governess car — noun see governess cart * * * governess car or governess cart noun (historical) A light low two wheeled vehicle with face to face seats at the sides • • • Main Entry: ↑govern * * * governess car or governess cart … Useful english dictionary
governess — noun Date: 15th century 1. a woman who governs 2. a woman who cares for and supervises a child especially in a private household … New Collegiate Dictionary
